About
My Path
The spark to pursue circus performing was ignited in me after 6 years of youth circus classes, when something in me lit up with the drive to rise above the mediocre. I wanted to be creatively expressive on stage and bring a deeper connection to the audience.
This is the exact right path I am supposed to be on. There has been no hesitation or questioning while striving toward the goal of a professional career. I am fully satisfied with pushing my guts out 30 hours per week strengthening my ground disciplines through ballet, contemporary dance, contortion and handstands; while also maintaining aerial strength with limited resources.
I feel that circus performance should evoke many more emotions in the audience verses only a momentary gratification from shock-n-awe tricks. A greater heart connection with audience needs to be engendered.
- Humor should be clever, not base or animal.
- Joy should be felt deeply, not just a surface chuckle.
- Aerial performance should be captivating and enthralling, not just an athletic workout.
- Some in the audience should come away thinking… I want to be them.
– Shayna Rutledge
